Neglect was the reason why Talesha (not her real name) was taken into state care at the age of 15, but for her it is the best thing that has happened to her. Even though she has been given several opportunities to return to the care of her mother she has refused.
Even though approaching 18 when she will become legally an adult and it will be time for her to leave the Sophia state home, Talesha plans to remain at the home and continue her studies. Her life has been so much impacted by being in care that she has plans to study social work at the University of Guyana and join the profession. It is a way of “giving back” because she has received so much during her years in care and has the greatest respect for the women and men who toil to help children get a second chance in life.
“I get so much attention, more attention than I got before, and everyone is so very supportive I always have